Hyderabad: Keen on taking advantage of the friction between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the governments of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are trying to woo the industrialists here. While Karnataka has already held talks with over 35 pharma industries in Hyderabad offering investment incentives, the Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh government too have extended invitations.

This move of the neighbouring state governments come in the wake of the chief ministers of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh going all out to lure industries in their respective state. Alarmed over this development, the Karnataka government has offered the industries competing incentives to develop the backward Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

“About 30 to 35 pharma companies have held talks with us on investing in the Yadgir Industrial Area. Even the Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat governments have approached us,” said Mr R.K. Agarwal of the Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association (BDMA).

“Though the other state governments are offering good incentives and proposals, it would be more feasible in Hyderabad as we already have our head offices and industrial units here. In such a case, expanding our units here will be more beneficial. Even the clearances and rapport with the government administration is well established. Moreover, the government here is supportive and is coming up with infrastructure facilities,” said BDMA members.